Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer device 1 for retaining or holding an anchor rod 11 of a rock anchor, especially a self-drilling anchor, in a hole H drilled above horizontal. The retainer device 1 comprises: a body portion 2 configured to be mounted on the anchor rod 11, e.g., on an outer or external periphery of the anchor rod, and at least one locking arm or tab 6, 7 that projects from the body portion 2 in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the anchor rod 11. The body portion 2 is configured to engage an abutment or shoulder on the outer or external periphery of the anchor rod to prevent its movement relative to the anchor rod 11 in use, and the at least one arm or tab 6, 7 is configured to deform so as to engage and bear against an inner wall W of the hole H when the retainer device 1 mounted on the anchor rod 11 is driven into the hole H.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety system (1) for protecting against a hazard of a drill rod failure in a drilled rock bore (B) above horizontal, and especially a hazard posed by a broken drill rod section (S) lodged within the bore (B). The safety system (1) comprises: a plug member (2) for insertion into a proximal end region (E) of the bore (B) adjacent a rock-face (F), the plug member (2) being configured to be fixed within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B); and an impact reduction member (5) for reducing an impact of the broken drill rod section (S) striking the plug member (2) within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B). The impact reduction member (5) is configured to be located within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B) and to extend within the bore (B) above the plug member (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer device 1 for retaining or holding an anchor rod 11 of a rock anchor, especially a self-drilling anchor, in a hole H drilled above horizontal. The retainer device 1 comprises: a body portion 2 configured to be mounted on the anchor rod 11, and especially on an outer or external periphery of the anchor rod, and at least one locking arm or tab 6, 7 that projects from the body portion 2 in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the anchor rod 11. The body portion 2 is configured for movement relative to the anchor rod 11 in use, and the at least one arm or tab 6, 7 is configured to deform so as to engage and bear against an inner wall W of the hole H when the retainer device 1 mounted on the anchor rod 11 is driven into the hole H.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety system (1) for protecting against a hazard of a drill rod failure in a drilled rock bore (B) above horizontal, and especially a hazard posed by a broken drill rod section (S) lodged within the bore (B). The safety system (1) comprises: a plug member (2) for insertion into a proximal end region (E) of the bore (B) adjacent a rock-face (F), the plug member (2) being configured to be fixed within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B); and an impact reduction member (5) for reducing an impact of the broken drill rod section (S) striking the plug member (2) within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B). The impact reduction member (5) is configured to be located within the proximal end region (E) of the bore (B) and to extend within the bore (B) above the plug member (2).